from Danny Ecker of Crain's Chicago Business,

After three Stanley Cup titles in six seasons, 329 straight sellouts dating back to 2008, and building a brand of which nearly every corporate entity in Chicago (and many nationally) wants a piece, Rocky Wirtz has finally reached his financial goal.

The chairman of the franchise that some are now crowning an NHL dynasty no longer claims the team doesn't make money without the help of his other Wirtz Corp. businesses.

In other words: The Blackhawks now cover their payroll expenses from ticket sales, sponsorships and TV rights fees, no longer relying on internal capital calls midway through the season to pay its players.

"It took a little longer than I thought," Wirtz said of the team's revenues today at an appearance with the Stanley Cup at Phil Stefani's 437 Rush, "but I think we're there."

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